Motherwell's young keeper says patience has paid off as he grabs chance
The 22-year-old was heading back on loan to League Two newcomers East Kilbride on loan, but an injury to first-choice Motherwell shot-stopper Aston Oxborough suddenly opened up some possibilities.
After Callum Ward sold a goal in the 2-2 draw at Clyde in Motherwell's Premier Sports Cup opener, Connelly was given the nodd for a 2-1 win over Peterhead on Tuesday and a 1-0 triumph at Stenhousemuir yesterday.
Connelly, who wasn't really tested at Ochilview, said: 'I've been patiently waiting for my chance. I thought I did all right on my debut, and to get the chance to play again on Saturday, I could myself really lucky.
'I'm thankful to the gaffer for giving me the chance.
'I think it's a good base to make your debut, and when you're the team that's expected to win, it's just following that through.
''I was buzzing. It was a really calm game for me, no shots on goal, just kind of playing it out the back and stuff like that.
'The boys in front of me did brilliantly.'
READ MORE: Motherwell boss: 'Our cup fate was always in our own hands, despite sticky start'
READ MORE: Stenhousemuir 0, Motherwell 1: O'Donnell strike keeps Well cup hopes alive
Connelly and Co can win Group D with a win over second-placed Morton on Tuesday, though they will be waiting on the Greenock club's final game at home to Clyde on Saturday.
The young shot-stopper said: 'We're in a good position to qualify from the group, but Tuesday's another challenge and we'll try to get another three points and top the group.
'That's our last game, so we want the win.'
Connelly has been at East Kilbride on loan for the last couple of years and played a major role last season as they won the Lowland League and the pyramid play-off against Bonnyrigg Rose.
And he said: 'East Kilbride have been brilliant, the coaches – Mick Kennedy, Si Ferry, Blair Munn, Zander Cowie the goalie coach – have all been brilliant with me.
'I went back there twice and enjoyed it the first time, and set out to get promoted, and thankfully they did that.
'I would go back out there if needed. The plan when I came back in this summer was to go back out on loan, then I got the chance here to play games.
'But I'll see what happens, I do what I'm told!'
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